I’ve just finished my latest round of college courses, and as I approach the big 5-0, I can’t help but reflect on my journey. Thirty years ago, I earned my associate’s degree with no clear path ahead. I always knew I was a writer, but those around me had different ideas. “Pursue business,” they said. Two years later, I proudly held a bachelor’s degree in English from Hofstra University and dove headfirst into the world of book publishing and PR in Manhattan.
Fast forward 24 years, and I found myself in a traditional suburban life, still holding onto my writing dreams. I often contemplated pursuing an MFA to refine the novel I had written. “Everyone in grad school is going to be so young,” I fretted. “I’ll be nearly 50 when I graduate!”
Then came my friend’s wise words that became my guiding force: “You’re going to be 50 anyway. Just go for it.”
What Does Age Really Mean?
As our bodies change, we often feel pressure to conform to societal expectations. Are we supposed to abandon fun and adventure at a certain age? I see aging as a complex emotional maze where some cling to their youth while others scramble to reclaim it. Perhaps the key to aging gracefully lies in our willingness to embrace new experiences. No matter the day, when you have good health, it’s inevitable that milestone will arrive. So why not picture yourself there and take action? You’re going to be… fill in the blank.
Initially, I worried about being too old. The Millennials and the fast-paced digital world seemed to have zipped ahead while I was busy with parenting duties. Nevertheless, I took the plunge and enrolled in courses at Stony Brook’s Southampton and Manhattan campuses.
To my surprise, I wasn’t the youngest in the room, but I certainly wasn’t the oldest either—there was an 80-year-old classmate! I found myself right in the middle of the mix. After all, how many people in their forties are in grad school? We’re usually caught up in the whirlwind of life, balancing careers, kids approaching college, and family responsibilities.
Life’s Delightful Chaos
With three kids ranging from middle to high school, life was a delightful chaos. Between juggling bills, managing two hamsters and a dog, I held a part-time PR job while rewriting my novel for my MFA thesis. My husband was often away on business, leaving me to navigate the whirlwind solo. Once, during a screenwriting class, I received a frantic message from my kids who had ended up at the local strip mall searching for dinner because I forgot to prepare a meal. Another time, my son lost his house key. I learned to juggle the chaos without stressing over age—it’s all part of the adventure.
In that lively atmosphere, I made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I enjoyed writing, discussing books, and even playing music with classmates of all ages, reigniting my creative spark.
A Moment of Inspiration
As I sat with my classmate Lisa at Stony Brook’s LaValle Stadium, nearly three decades after my first graduation, I experienced a moment of inspiration when Billy Joel received an honorary music degree. With the sun shining down on us, he said, “If you’re not doing what you love, then you’re wasting time.”
So here’s the mantra: you’re going to be 50 anyway. Let’s embrace it!
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Summary
Turning 50 doesn’t mean your adventures have to stop. Embrace new experiences, pursue your passions, and remember that age is just a number. Whether it’s going back to school or exploring family planning options, like home insemination, the journey is what you make of it.